The Community Blood Center is urging all healthy and eligible blood donors to donate blood, platelets and convalescent plasma as the number of COVID-19 cases increase throughout the state.
CBC is the sole provider of all blood, platelets and plasma, including convalescent plasma, to nearly 30 hospitals throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
One in seven individuals entering a hospital will rely on a blood transfusion. Patients, like those facing cancer treatments, surgical procedures or traumatic injuries, rely on volunteer donors for transfusions.
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the local and national hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also increased. CBC has been working with more than 100 recovered COVID-19 community members who are giving their time to donate the plasma that can be directly transfused to patients battling the coronavirus.
Hospital demand for convalescent plasma has more than doubled in recent weeks. CBC is urging all community members who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate convalescent plasma. With the rise of convalescent plasma transfusions needed by local patients and hospitals, CBC must ensure a reliable supply of this treatment option.
Donors cannot be compensated. However, the donated blood, platelets or convalescent plasma is part of a patient’s immediate medical treatment plan as these blood components are given directly through an intravenous line.
Safety is a top priority at CBC. The following enhanced safety practices are in place to provide the safest donation experience possible:
• Appointments are required to ensure social distancing and manage the number of people gathered at one time.
• Limited staffing: Only those necessary to the blood collection process are allowed to work onsite.
• Masks are worn by all staff members and encouraged and provided for all donors.
• Temperature pre-screening to ensure health of donors immediately upon entry and staff before they work onsite.
• Physical barriers to add an extra layer of protection.
• Enhanced registration to protect your personal space and minimize exposure.
• All donor snacks are individually wrapped.
• Hand wash and cough etiquette is practiced by all staff members.
• Additional sanitizing besides the already rigorous cleaning process.
All blood types are needed for both blood and convalescent plasma transfusions. Healthy and eligible individuals, including first-time donors, can schedule an appointment at www.communityblood.org or by calling 800-280-4102.
Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 can complete the online form to learn more about becoming a convalescent plasma donor: https://www.communityblood.org/donate-convalescent-plasma.
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